The Canon Powershot A Is

The Canon PowerShot A IS

An upgrade to the short-lived Canon PowerShot A, the A IS received a design facelift and a few feature tweaks, the biggest and most welcome of which is that the new model adds optical image stabilization. In addition, upgrading from mega pixel to mega pixel provides for improved image quality. Is the A IS a worthy successor to the popular A?

Here are the main features:

. Megapixels x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (-mm equiv.) DIGIC II, iSAPS, -Point AiAF, FlexiZone AF/AE Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom .” LCD with wide viewing angle and real-image optical viewfinder shooting modes

What else has changed?

Although a better looking camera, the A IS is more than mere style, with the addition of the optical image stabilization system, the only downside of which is the slight decrease in battery life. Still, one can get an impressive shots from a good pair of rechargeable AA NiMH batteries.

Additional changes include….

fps (QVGA) movie mode MyColors effects in playback mode Playback overexposure warning : overlay on live view SDHC card support Underwater scene mode (for use with new optional m underwater case) Slightly reduced continuous shooting speed (.fps vs .fps) g (.oz) heavier

Here are the full list of features and specifications:

Sensor: /.” Type CCD, . million pixels Image Processor: DIGIC II with iSAPS technology Image Sizes: x , x , x , x , x , x Movie Clips: x – / fps, up to GB or hour. x – // fsp, up to GB or hour (/ fps) or minute ( fps). x – pfs, up to minutes. AVI motion JPEG. Lens: x optical zoom, - mm equivalent, F. – F. Optical Stabilization: Yes (shift type) Focus: TTL auto focus, AF illuminator, -point AiAF or point AF (any position or fixed center), cm macro mode Metering: Evaluate, Center-weighted average, Spot (center or linked to focusing frame) Shooting Mode: different modes, including Night Scene, Shutter Priority AE and Aperture Priority AE Shutter Speeds: – / second Apertures: F. – (Wide) F. – (Tele) Exposure Compensation: +/- EV in / stop increments Sensitivity: Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO – White Balance: settings, including underwater Image parameters: different settings, including photo-stitch Continuous: Continuous (. fps) until memory is full Flash: modes, including red-eye reduction. Range: cm – .m (wide) / . m (tele) Storage: SD, SDHC, MMC compatible. MB card included Viewfinder: Real-image zoom, optical viewfinder LCD Monitor: .” P-Si TFT, , pixels Connectivity: USB . Hi-Speed, AV out Power: x AA batteries (alkaline included, but NiMH recommended), optional AC adapter Optional Accessories: lenses, high-power flash, waterproof case Dimensions: .mm x .mm x .mm

Generally, users of this camera give good reviews, citing the advantages of using batteries over , the convenience of using SD disks, date/time feature, overall quality and ease of use. Some users find that using the zoom feature indoors lowers image quality and the limits of the GB file (about minutes of video) and the limited storage capacity of the provided MB card.

The camera retails for around $ US.

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